Netanyahu-Haredi deal advances, with Torah study bill and kashrut law set for debate next week

The political deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Haredi parties is moving ahead, with the Knesset committee set to hold marathon discussions next week on a new Basic Law on Torah study. According to the draft being published, Torah study would be recognized as “a fundamental value in the State of Israel,” placing it on par with other basic values. The stated purpose of the wording is to create “balances of justice.”

The practical meaning, as described in the report, is that Torah study would be treated as equal to other foundational values, including equality in sharing the burden. The law is part of a broader arrangement Netanyahu is advancing with the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Also being advanced as part of the same deal is the kashrut law, which would restore exclusive control to the Chief Rabbinate and cancel the competition in the kosher certification market created by former minister Matan Kahana’s reform. The law had previously been expected to be shelved, but is now returning as part of Netanyahu’s agreement with the Haredi factions.